Re: [v3] install backwards headers in prefix

[Nathan Myers <ncm at best dot com>]

On Thu, Dec 14, 2000 at 04:05:05PM -0800, Benjamin Kosnik wrote:
> 
> It was recently pointed out on the gcc-bugs list that the current
> install practice is to install things like iostream.h in
> (prefix)/include/g++-v3/backward. Thus, things that include iostream.h
> break unless -I(prefix)/backward is explictly added to the configure
> line.
> 
> I'd thought this was acceptable, but I recently realized how wrong I
> was, and how much I'd like to not spend all of next year answering
> this same question.
> 
> Past commentary that helped convince me:
> http://gcc.gnu.org/ml/gcc-bugs/2000-12/msg00042.html
> 
> If there are no major objections, I'd like to check this in today.

Yes, I object.  If you want to make it easier to use broken and 
obsolete headers, add an option "-iobsolete" or something.  If 
iostream.h is in the default directory, we will forever after get 
questions about incompatibilities with standard features.  We need 
a way to let those headers die peacefully.

You might also install an iostream.h in the regular directory
containing only the line

  #error iostream.h is obsolete; try compiling with ``-iobsolete''.

That will forestall the FAQ.

Nathan Myers
ncm at cantrip dot org